precept
noun
Example Sentences
Michaelangelo Matos, Rolling Stone, 24 Aug. 2022 Likewise, the precept that large monuments and tombs are always proof of systems of rank comes up for review. Virginia Heffernan, Wired, 11 July 2022 An argument is often made that the notion of toxic commentary is a wholly vague precept. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 15 June 2022 Another environmental daily double, a precept of both smart growth and climate mitigation, is preserving core forests. Tom Condon, Hartford Courant, 11 June 2022 Surveys find that most people in France regard laïcité as an important precept. Rachel Donadio, The Atlantic, 22 Nov. 2021 This ongoing feedback from regular debriefs ensures the number one precept of a productive performance review: no surprises. Janine Maclachlan, Forbes, 8 Nov. 2021 The basic precept of the best-in-breed concept is to look at clouds and third parties as simply collections of services that can be mixed and matched as an app team's needs dictate. Kit Colbert, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2021 The starters—mac and cheese, burrata, mussels—blithely observe this precept: unfussy, forthright, hearty. The New Yorker, 6 Aug. 2021 See More Word History
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin praeceptum, from neuter of praeceptus, past participle of praecipere to take beforehand, instruct, from prae- + capere to take — more at heave entry 1
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
precept
noun
Synonyms & Similar Words
- principle
- axiom
- moral
- maxim
- rule
- code
- law
- value
- fundamental
- tradition
- commandment
- decalogue
- constitution
- instruction
- regulation
- directive
- statute
- ordinance
- act
- practice
- bylaw
- edict
- direction
- directory
- reg
- habit
- decree
- prohibition
- ground rule
- standard
- restriction
- guideline
- order
- fiat
- proscription
- command
- dictate
- manners
- behest
- formula
- interdiction
- convention
- guide
- ban
- canon
- blueprint
- mores
- charge
- custom
- practise
- way
Synonym Chooser
Some common synonyms of precept are canon, law, ordinance, regulation, rule, and statute. While all these words mean "a principle governing action or procedure," precept commonly suggests something advisory and not obligatory communicated typically through teaching.
The words canon and precept can be used in similar contexts, but canon suggests in nonreligious use a principle or rule of behavior or procedure commonly accepted as a valid guide.
Although the words law and precept have much in common, law implies imposition by a sovereign authority and the obligation of obedience on the part of all subject to that authority.
While the synonyms ordinance and precept are close in meaning, ordinance applies to an order governing some detail of procedure or conduct enforced by a limited authority such as a municipality.
The synonyms regulation and precept are sometimes interchangeable, but regulation implies prescription by authority in order to control an organization or system.
The words rule and precept are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rule applies to more restricted or specific situations.
The meanings of statute and precept largely overlap; however, statute implies a law enacted by a legislative body.